The U.S. Social Security Number (SSN): how to get it and what it is for
What the Social Security Number (SSN) is and why it matters (work, wages, taxes, benefits, banking, credit); who can get one and how immigrants obtain it (through the immigrant-visa process or Form SS-5, usually in person); the three card types (unrestricted; “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION”; “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT”); the documents needed; SSN vs. ITIN; the fact that it is free; and protection from fraud. Based on the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and the IRS, as of 2026.
The Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to people in the United States. Below, what it is, why it is needed, who can get one and how, the card types and how it differs from an ITIN are explained with facts, based on the official information of the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA, ssa.gov) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Information is as of 2026.
What the SSN is and why it is needed
According to the SSA, the SSN is used to report your wages to the government, to get a job, to pay taxes, and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits and some government services; employers use it to report wages. In practice it is also commonly requested when opening a bank account and building a credit history. At the same time, the SSA stresses that lawfully admitted noncitizens can use many services without an SSN: you do not need one to get a driver's license, register for school, buy private health insurance, or apply for subsidized housing or school-lunch programs.
Who can get one
Under SSA rules, in general only noncitizens with permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN. In some cases people who do not work but have a valid non-work reason (for example, a federal law that requires an SSN for a benefit or service) may also get a number. U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green-card holders) receive an unrestricted card.
How immigrants obtain one
There are two main paths. First, Enumeration at Entry: when applying for an immigrant visa (via Form DS-260 with the Department of State), you can request the SSN card with that same application; after you enter the U.S., the card is mailed to you. Second, apply directly to the SSA using Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card); people aged 12 and older who have never been assigned a number generally must apply in person. The SSA now lets many first-time applicants start the application online (in a few minutes), then bring documents to a local office; once approved, the card arrives by mail in about 2 weeks (sometimes 5–10 business days).
Documents needed
The SSA requires at least two documents proving identity, age, and current lawful immigration/work status. Accepted immigration documents include Form I-94 (with an unexpired foreign passport), Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card (green card); age is proven by a birth certificate or passport. Importantly, getting an SSN and card is entirely free — the SSA charges no fee to assign a number or issue a card.
Card types
The SSA issues three kinds of card. 1) Unrestricted — shows only name and SSN and allows work without restriction (for citizens and permanent residents). 2) “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” — for people admitted temporarily with DHS work authorization. 3) “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” — for people without work authorization but with a valid non-work reason. The legend on the card reflects work-authorization status only at the time the card was issued.
SSN vs. ITIN
For people who are not eligible for an SSN but must pay U.S. taxes, the IRS issues a 9-digit Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) via Form W-7. An ITIN is for federal tax purposes only: it does not authorize work, does not entitle you to Social Security benefits, and does not qualify you for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If you have or are eligible for an SSN, do not file Form W-7.
Protection from fraud
The SSA and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will never contact you unexpectedly by phone to demand your SSN or money; they will not ask for personal information by email, text, or social media, and will never demand payment via gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash. Report suspicious contacts to the OIG hotline at 1-800-269-0271; verify any contact by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
